Royal Oak Golf Center shows off $1.4 million renovation

The Royal Oak Golf Center this week completed a $1.4 million renovations to the 27-acre facility.

The Royal Oak Golf Center is showing off its newly renovated 27-acre complex Friday following a $1.4 million investment in the 70-year-old business.

Renovations to the driving range and miniature golf course started last fall and were finished in April, but the new 2,000-square-foot miniature-golf building debuted Friday. Operators said the badly needed upgrade should attract golfers of all skill levels, all year round.

"We were always open year-round but thought we didn't have enough protection," said Glenn Pulice, general manager of the center. "Renovations will have an impact throughout all seasons."

The investment is intended to make the facility a fall-back for golfers during inclement weather and the winter months, said Frank Sheckell of Golf Village of Royal Oak, which has managed the facility since 2001. The golf center is owned by the city of Royal Oak.

The center, on 13 Mile Road at Coolidge Highway, had 76 tee pads, 10 of which were covered and heated. Now it has 86, including 32 that are covered and heated, Pulice said. There are no grass tees, but the mats are "real feel" and replicate well, he said.

The mini-golf course was completely overhauled, with a new layout, carpeting and aesthetics.

The general contractor for the project was Ronnisch Construction Group and the designer was Krieger Klatt Architects, both based in Royal Oak. The mini-golf revamp was handled by Wyoming-based Big Sky Miniature Golf.

Golf Village of Royal Oak recently signed a lease with the city through 2033, in exchange for the promise of a $700,000 investment in the center, which the company doubled. Under the agreement, the city gets a share of the center's revenue, Sheckell said. He declined to give specifics of the deal or the center's annual revenue.

Sheckell said the longer lease has allowed for significant improvements to be made.

Other upgrades include a new 1,500-square-foot pavilion capable of accommodating 200 people and ideal for parties, Pulice said. The 3,500-square-foot putting green and short game practice area also received a facelift. There is a new indoor golf ball dispenser that keeps balls warm during winter months, a well-enjoyed amenity for seasoned golfers.

Renovations to the driving range building are also being planned, Pulice said.

Pulice said prices increased slightly this year. Range balls run from $5.50 for a small bucket to $16 for a jumbo. Mini golf costs $7.25 a round for adults, with discounts for children and seniors.